Abstract: Media content is provided for remote playback over a packet-based network. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a host server authenticates remote users and further processes media content requests from authenticated remote users by directing or otherwise facilitating the delivery of requested media content from a user's media content source to a remote playback device. The remote playback device is classified and the media content is selectively configured at one or both of the media content source and the host server in accordance with the classification, prior to delivery to the remote playback device. Communications among the host server, remote playback device and media content source are over the packet-based network.

Abstract: Media content is provided for remote playback over a packet-based network. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a host server authenticates remote users and further processes media content requests from authenticated remote users by directing or otherwise facilitating the delivery of requested media content from a user's media content source to a remote playback device. The remote playback device is classified and the media content is selectively configured at one or both of the media content source and the host server in accordance with the classification, prior to delivery to the remote playback device. Communications among the host server, remote playback device and media content source are over the packet-based network.

Abstract: Media content is provided for remote playback over a packet-based network. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a host server authenticates remote users and further processes media content requests from authenticated remote users by directing or otherwise facilitating the delivery of requested media content from a user's media content source to a remote playback device. The remote playback device is classified and the media content is selectively configured at one or both of the media content source and the host server in accordance with the classification, prior to delivery to the remote playback device. Communications among the host server, remote playback device and media content source are over the packet-based network.

Abstract: Data transfer between remote and base locations over a network is effected. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a data router controls the routing of data between base and remote network appliances as a function of metadata describing the data and capabilities of the remote network appliance.

Abstract: Data transfer between remote and base locations over a network is effected. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a data router controls the routing of data between base and remote network appliances as a function of metadata describing the data and capabilities of the remote network appliance.

Abstract: Data transfer to a remote packet-communicating device over a network is effected using a network-based cache to selectively store data. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network-based server facilitates selective, rule-based storage of a registered user's data in a network-based cache. The registered user's data is available via the user's data source coupled to a packet-based network (e.g., via a user's home or business computer coupled to the Internet). The server controls remote access to data stored in the cache as well as data accessible via the registered user's data source. For instance, when a request for data transfer is received from a remote packet-communicating device, the network-based server authenticates the request and, for authenticated requests, facilitates a transfer of the requested data from one or both of a registered user's data source and the cache.

Abstract: A communication link is established with a packet-communications device. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network connection is established between the packet-communications and a server to pass data such as requests and responses, as well as files, media, streaming and other data. The network connection is a tunneled connection, facilitating the communication of data using a particular protocol that may be different from or otherwise incompatible with the data being communicated. The tunnel is divided into two or more logical communications channels, facilitating the multiplexing of data (e.g., request/response pairs) onto a single physical network connection.

Abstract: Data transfer between remote and home locations over a network is effected using an electronic token to facilitate access to the data. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network-based server facilitates the generation of a token specifying conditions upon which data access to a registered user's data can be made. When a request for data transfer is received in connection with a token, information in the token is used together with the request to selectively authenticate and serve the request.

Abstract: Data transfer to a remote packet-communicating device over a network is effected using a network-based cache to selectively store data. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network-based server facilitates selective, rule-based storage of a registered user's data in a network-based cache. The registered user's data is available via the user's data source coupled to a packet-based network (e.g., via a user's home or business computer coupled to the Internet). The server controls remote access to data stored in the cache as well as data accessible via the registered user's data source. For instance, when a request for data transfer is received from a remote packet-communicating device, the network-based server authenticates the request and, for authenticated requests, facilitates a transfer of the requested data from one or both of a registered user's data source and the cache.

Abstract: A communication link is established with a packet-communications device. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network connection is established between the packet-communications and a server to pass data such as requests and responses, as well as files, media, streaming and other data. The network connection is a tunneled connection, facilitating the communication of data using a particular protocol that may be different from or otherwise incompatible with the data being communicated. The tunnel is divided into two or more logical communications channels, facilitating the multiplexing of data (e.g., request/response pairs) onto a single physical network connection.

Abstract: Data transfer between remote and base locations over a network is effected. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a data router controls the routing of data between base and remote network appliances as a function of metadata describing the data and capabilities of the remote network appliance.